CENTRAL NEWS
In the wake of recent protests in Iran, United Nations officials expressed alarm on Friday over multiple human rights violations which have reportedly taken place across the country.
Highlighting a continued lack of transparency concerning casualties, the alleged mistreatment of thousands of detainees and continued arrests reported throughout Iran, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said that at least 7,000 people have reportedly been arrested in 28 of Iran and Eastern Kurdistan’s 31 provinces since mass protests broke out on 15 November.
Michelle stated that she was “extremely concerned about their physical treatment, violations of their right to due process, and the possibility that a significant number of them may be charged with offences that carry the death penalty, in addition to the conditions under which they are held.”
The UN Human Rights Office has information suggesting that at least 208 people were killed during five days of demonstrations, which official Government sources said involved between 120,000 and 200,000 protestors. Other, yet unverified reports, convey the number of deaths to be more than doubled that.
OHCHR has received numerous reports of ill-treatment against those arrested, including forced confessions.
“Many of the arrested protesters have not had access to a lawyer, meaning due process is not being respected,” Bachelet continued. “There are also reports that individuals who were wounded or otherwise injured during the crackdown are being denied medical treatment in detention.”
